Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien
Synopsis
Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien is a 1996 American short documentary film directed by Jessica Yu. Mark O'Brien was a journalist and poet who lived in Berkeley, California. The documentary explored his spiritual struggle coping with his disability; he had to use an iron lung much of the time due to childhood polio. O'Brien died on 4 July 1999, from post-polio syndrome. It won an Oscar at the 69th Academy Awards in 1997 for Documentary Short Subject.
Top Cast
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Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jessica Yu
- Screenplay & Story
- Jessica Yu
- Original Title
- Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 35m
- Production Studios
- Inscrutable Films, Pacific News Service
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jessica Yu
Jessica Yu
Jessica Yu
Jessica Yu
Department Leadership Roster
Jessica Yu
Director
Jessica Yu
Writer
Jessica Yu
Producer
Jessica Yu
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
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Academy Awards - Best Documentary Short Subject Winners 1941-2025
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien about?
Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien is a 1996 American short documentary film directed by Jessica Yu. Mark O'Brien was a journalist and poet who lived in Berkeley, California. The documentary explored his spiritual struggle coping with his disability; he had to use an iron lung much of the time due to childhood polio. O'Brien died on 4 July 1999, from post-polio syndrome. It won an Oscar at the 69th Academy Awards in 1997 for Documentary Short Subject.
Who directed Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien?
Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien was directed by Jessica Yu.
Who stars in Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien?
The principal cast of Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien includes Mark O'Brien.
When was Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien released and how long is it?
Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 35m.